Fiona is a Partner and heads Geldards’ Family team across the four Geldards’ offices. She is an experienced specialist family lawyer, Family Mediator, Family Arbitrator, Private Financial Dispute Resolution Judge, Collaborative Family Lawyer and experienced Deputy District Judge/Specialist Financial Remedies Judge.

Fiona is the only Chambers Band 1 ranked family lawyer in the Derby area and is recognised as one of the top three leading family lawyers in the East Midlands by the Legal 500 and is listed as a leading lawyer by Wiselaw.

Fiona specialises in more complex medium to high net worth financial cases (particularly those involving businesses, inherited assets, farms and family-owned or controlled assets/Trusts), wealth protection, Pre-Nuptial Agreements and same-sex marriage/civil partnership breakdowns.

Fiona’s extensive experience and reputation in financial remedy cases have attracted instructions from many wealthy businessmen and women and high net worth individuals including the Trustees of Family Trusts, sports managers, footballers and an MP.

She negotiates multi-million-pound complex financial settlements and is regularly instructed by affluent London clients at the recommendation of their barristers.

Her firm but fair, pragmatic and determined yet respectful approach has led to instructions on several occasions from parties whom she acted against in their first divorce!

Like to talk to Fiona?

What clients say

"Fiona is realistic yet passionate about getting what is fair for her clients. She puts people at their ease and with her vast experience is able to help people consider all the options."

Chambers & Partners 2022

"Fiona, you have handled my case in the most caring, diligent way during many of my darkest hours. Your professionalism is outstanding. Always calm and controlled. I will never be able to thank you enough for everything you have done to help change my life & my families lives too!! "

Client Quote

"Fiona is very responsive, knowledgeable and diligent, as well as being approachable and friendly."

Chambers & Partners 2022

"Fiona is proactive and approachable and deals with the most complex of cases. Fiona also sits as a Private FDR Judge and Arbitrator and is greatly experienced and respected in the field."

Legal 500 2023

"Being a Judge allowed for great advice. Fiona was brilliant and never let me down. She delivered on all her recommendations and was worth every penny. She restored my trust in the legal system."

Client Quote

"Fiona Apthorpe stands out. She is an experienced and thorough lawyer whilst also being a mediator who recognises the benefit of all forms of dispute resolution."

Legal 500 2022

"Fiona, you have no idea how much you help the people you so kindly serve. You will always be recommended by myself for all the exceptional services you have provided. "

Client Quote

To Top